Ston

Ston is a small settlement and port located on the Peljesac peninsula. It lies at the end of the northwestern area of the Gulf of Ston, on the Croatian coast of the Adriatic. The place is the center of the municipality of Ston, which belongs to the Dubrovnik-Neretva county.

Ston consists of two parts, Mali Ston and Veliki Ston. Locals have always made a living by growing oysters and clams. Gourmets come all the way from Dubrovnik for fresh oysters. The place is also known for its salt pans. The coasts near the town, along the canal and in Prapratna Bay are suitable for fishing, swimming and spearfishing. In 1996, the earthquake in Veliki Ston damaged some historical buildings. Ston was called Turris Stagni in Roman times. Starigrad hill is located above the settlement, where the foundations of the Roman fort have been preserved. Another Roman and early medieval settlement was established on the hill of St. Mihajla and on the plain that lies below it. The current Ston was founded in 1333, right after it was appropriated by the people of Dubrovnik. The town is surrounded by a 980 meter long wall with fortifications. The strongest fortress is Veliki Kastio, whose wall is built along the coast and is separated from the sea by salt flats. The people of Dubrovnik built this large defensive complex between 1333 and 1506. In Ston, a school is mentioned in 1389, and an orphanage in 1458.

Among the historical buildings within the walls, the office of the Republic of Dubrovnik, which was built in the Gothic style, the Gothic Sorkocevic - Đordic Palace, the Bishop's Palace from the 16th century and the former princely court stand out.